Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Cant get any better! - 2008 Ford Shelby GT500
  By Vince - February 26 - 9:46 am

  Heard all about the great reviews for the Mustang. Got a chance to get the Shelby, and it speaks volumes for American car manufacturers. I have, over the past two years freed myself of all import cars and now own all American. The Shelby is FUN! A definite blast to the past when we adored American metal!

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  lookin good - 1991 Ford F-150
  By bandit2x69 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  awesome truck, needs better feel to the seating on long trips..other than that it has been great.

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  Drive train Headaches - 1997 Ford F-150
  By Donald Badstuebner - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This truck is equiped with a 4.2 liter v6 motor. It is pleasant to drive although it is not very peppy. Gas mileage averages about 14 to 15 MPG which is about 65 % highway driving. I recently had a coolant leak in the timing chain cover. A local garage that employed a Ford trained and certified replaced the leaking gasket. I got the truck back and after driving it less than 300 miles the motor lost oil pressure and seriously damaged the engine(needed a new engine @$3800). Ford has had problems with the design and(or) manufacturing of some of their motors in recent years.

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  91 Roll-a-long package - 1991 Ford F-350
  By Rcooter - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive used this truck extensively in all climates as a daily driver and a work truck. Can handle 2 pallets of 60 pound concrete with no sweat. I kept the fluids changed regularly but amazingly did my first tune up last year, when the truck was 11 years old. The aftermarket chrome that came with the truck when I bought it rusted prematurely. Overall the truck has been a great ride.

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  The little things dont count - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By mhpe - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Dependable, powerful, economical but annoying. Windshield wiper pockets collect ice and make wipers useless in the snow. Door sensors dont work in cold or wet weather and keeps dome lights on so you cant see for the glare, and it runs battery down. Has had loud but unidentified engine compartment rattle for 80,000 miles. Brake problems. So-so seat comfort. The Windstar has the highest load capacity in its class but needs it just to carry around the removable seats. Dont try to remove them by yourself unless you want a hernia.

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  Decent! - 2006 Ford Freestyle
  By diveduo - February 25 - 11:26 am

  Overall a good, useful and fun to drive vehicle. Wish it had more HP for better acceleration, but like the fuel economy vs. the capacity and existing power. Nice interior layout. The one thing I dont like is the excessive glare and reflection of the instrument panel in the windshield in daylight hours.

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  nice for tha small family - 1995 Ford Contour
  By biZZy - February 25 - 2:00 am

  i like the pep that the v6 has. and its pretty comfortable for a guy thats 62! luckily my children are small, in a few years ill have to upgrade so theyll have some legroom.

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  Not worth 2 cents and that is a lot - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By kwaitier@gmail.com - February 24 - 7:26 pm

  Would not recommend this car for anyone. It is a hazard and the dealership that I went to does not have any answers to the problems I have had and been there way too many times and the last time i just realized they (Ford) was never going to do anything about it.

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  Absolutely love my Crown Victoria!! - 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Luke - February 24 - 9:30 am

  I bought this car about a year ago from a family friend. It only had 18000 miles on it. She wanted a new crown victoria, she wanted a different color LOL. She gave me a great deal on the car. I love everything about this car, the exterior looks very nice, just enough chrome. Also love the keyless entry pad, dont ever have to worry about locking my keys in the car. This car is so comfortable, and has alot of power. I find myself speeding all the time. The quality and reliability is awesome also. Havent had any problems. My sister has a 01 crown vic, hers had 130000 miles. She hasnt had any problems either. I am sad they are discontinuing these cars

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  WHAT HAPPENED??? - 2004 Ford Crown Victoria
  By Vic - February 24 - 9:00 am

  I decided to trade up from a 92 Crown Vic and I was amazed at how "PLASTIC" the new cars are. My 92 was solid as a rock with great acceleration, good interior materials. The 04 is just plain cheap. The carpeting, plastic trim and mold on everything. The material lining in the trunk I could put my finger through. Think I paid more for less.